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What is it like to spend 46 hours aboard one of India’s most iconic trains? Join us on our Rajdhani Express Journey from Kerala to Delhi as we experience First AC comfort, complimentary meals, ever-changing landscapes, and the unique charm of slow travel across five Indian states.
Some Journeys Are More Than Just Reaching a Destination
Air travel has made crossing India quicker than ever before. A few hours in the sky can take you from Kerala to Delhi. Yet there are journeys that remind us that travelling isn’t always about reaching the destination as quickly as possible. Sometimes, the journey itself becomes the experience.
That was exactly what I felt as I boarded the Trivandrum–New Delhi Rajdhani Express from Ernakulam South late one evening. Nearly 46 hours, over 3,150 kilometres, and several states lay ahead of us. For the next two days, home would be a railway coach.
It wasn’t my first long-distance train journey, but it was my first experience travelling in Rajdhani Express First AC, and I was eager to see what one of Indian Railways’ most iconic trains had to offer.
A Train That Once Divided Opinions
Today, Rajdhani Express is considered one of the premium services of Indian Railways. But when it was introduced, it wasn’t welcomed by everyone.
The first Rajdhani Express began its journey between Howrah and New Delhi on 1 March 1969. At the time, its higher fares and faster speeds sparked debates across the country. Many questioned whether such a premium train was necessary.
More than five decades later, those controversies have faded into history. Rajdhani has become one of the most respected long-distance trains in India, connecting the national capital with major cities across the country.
The Trivandrum–New Delhi Rajdhani Express is particularly special. Covering approximately 3,150 kilometres, it is among the longest Rajdhani routes in the country, offering passengers an opportunity to experience India’s incredible geographical diversity from the comfort of a single train.
First AC: A Different Way to Travel
Walking into the First AC coach immediately felt different from the train journeys many of us grew up with.
Instead of long rows of berths stretching along both sides of the coach, First AC is divided into enclosed coupes and cabins, connected by a quiet corridor. Our four-berth coupe felt more like a compact hotel room than a railway compartment.
The extra space, sliding doors, comfortable seating, reading lights, charging points, luggage shelves, fresh bed linen, pillows, and blankets all contributed to a premium travel experience.
As I settled into my lower berth while my friend Abhilash occupied the upper one, I couldn’t help thinking how ideal this setup would be for families. Travelling with Kalpita and our daughters in a private coupe would make such a long journey far more comfortable than travelling in an open coach.
Waking Up to a Different India: Rajdhani Express Journey
One of the biggest joys of train travel is that every morning brings a new landscape.
After a comfortable night’s sleep, the day began with bed tea, served along with biscuits before breakfast. It was a simple ritual, but one that somehow felt special when enjoyed while watching the countryside slowly wake up outside the window.
As the train rolled through Karnataka, we crossed rivers, tunnels, green fields, and sleepy towns. Soon we entered Udupi, and before long we were heading towards Goa. Over the next two days, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and finally Delhi would unfold outside the windows.
Unlike flights, trains allow you to witness the gradual transformation of India’s landscapes. Coconut trees slowly give way to open farmlands, rocky hills replace coastal scenery, and every few hours the colours, climate, language, and architecture begin to change.
Those changing views became one of the highlights of the journey.
Life Onboard Rajdhani Express
Meals are included with the Rajdhani Express ticket, making the experience surprisingly hassle-free.
The day started with bed tea, followed by breakfast. Later came lunch, evening snacks, dinner, and the same routine continued on the second day. Throughout the journey, the pantry staff ensured that meals were served on time.
For breakfast, I chose the vegetarian option while my companion opted for the non-vegetarian meal. The spread included bread, butter, cornflakes with milk, juice, hot beverages, and a vegetable cutlet. Lunch consisted of chapatis, rice, chicken curry, dal, vegetables, curd, pickle, and soup served beforehand.
The food wasn’t gourmet, nor did I expect it to be. Instead, it was satisfying, filling, and exactly what one hopes for on a journey lasting nearly two days. Having freshly served meals without worrying about station stops or searching for food added greatly to the comfort of the trip.
The People You Meet Along the Way
Every long-distance train journey brings unexpected conversations.
One of our fellow passengers, Mr. Jedi from the United States, had joined the train after touring Goa. Listening to his impressions of India and sharing stories during the journey reminded me that trains often become places where strangers connect through simple conversations.
That’s something flights rarely offer.
Not Perfect, But Comfortable
No journey is perfect, and Rajdhani Express has room for improvement.
The air-conditioning felt colder than necessary during the night, something my fellow traveller also noticed. Mobile connectivity disappeared in several stretches of the route, and while some Rajdhani trains now offer Wi-Fi, this one didn’t.
Yet none of these minor inconveniences overshadowed the overall experience. In fact, the occasional lack of internet became an opportunity to disconnect from screens and simply enjoy the changing scenery outside.
Why Train Journeys Still Matter
As we finally rolled into Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station after almost two days, it felt less like the end of a journey and more like the conclusion of a small adventure.
Train travel demands something that modern life often doesn’t allow us—time. In return, it offers conversations, changing landscapes, slow mornings with a cup of tea, and the chance to experience India one state at a time.
If speed is your priority, a flight will always be the better choice. But if your goal is to enjoy the journey itself, few experiences can match travelling across India on the Rajdhani Express.
Food N Travel Tip
If you’re planning a long-distance Rajdhani Express Journey on the Trivandrum–New Delhi Rajdhani Express, consider booking a First AC coupe, especially if you’re travelling as a family. The added privacy, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and complimentary meals make the 46-hour journey far more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
My first First AC Rajdhani Express Journey wasn’t simply about travelling from Kerala to Delhi. It was about slowing down, watching India unfold outside the window, sharing conversations with fellow travellers, and appreciating a style of travel that still has its own timeless charm. In an age where everyone seems to be in a hurry, a long train journey reminds us that sometimes the best memories are created not at the destination, but somewhere along the tracks. By the way, I had travelled by Rajadhani Express in Third AC from Howrah to Delhi in 2006 or 2007.
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